December 30, 2013

Ever tried on a dozen pairs of shoes in a store and then
felt bad about leaving without at least buying something? Especially when the
shop assistant has worked so hard and ends up with a mountain of shoe boxes to
repack without a sale? It’s a hard man that can walk out without at least
buying a pair of Crocs.

Now, imagine it’s your your best friend Barry who opened
that store. “You really must come in and see my exclusive line of Italian
shoes. Just try them on ... no
obligation.”

Truth is, you’re blissfully happy with your Rockports. But
you still go to make your friend happy. And he’s tipped off the salesman that
you’re a friend and to make a big impression.

After an hour, the floor is littered with boxes. John the
gushing salesman has made a dozen trips upstairs for something to please you.
But you just know these Sicilian wingtips are simply not for you. Meanwhile
your phone rings. It’s Barry asking whether his salesman is taking extra good
care of you. You say: “He’s great
thanks!

Halfway through the next
batch of try-ons you are getting really worried about buying any shoes
here because you're convinced your wife is gonna hate them. You can just
hear her saying: “Benny - they make
you look ridiculous ... what the heck
made you spend our good money on that?”

Why am I telling you this story?

Because it’s the story of Bibi Netanyahu in John Kerry’s
peace talks. He couldn’t refuse his best
friend America’s
invitation to come to the store … no obligation. And John Kerry’s made how many
12-hour trips back and forth? I’ve lost count. And surely no less than a
quarter million dollars a trip.

Is Bibi going to leave the store without at least buying something
to please his country’s best friend America? Can he face coming back to the Knesset and
being told: “Bibi – you look ridiculous! How could you give away prisoners
and territory for this worthless piece of paper?”